Brother of man killed in front of his kids speaks out after 6 indicted on federal crimes

by Kelly May

Robert Caldwell and his family. (Shared with WKEF/WRGT by family members)

MIAMI VALLEY, Ohio (WKEF/WRGT) - Months after a Beavercreek father was shot and killed in front of his three children, his ex-wife and five others were indicted for federal crimes.

Victim Robert Caldwell's brother is speaking to FOX 45 about the twisted plot, and the possible motive.

Tyler Caldwell says his brother Robert had just been granted full custody of his older kids from his ex-wife Tawnney Caldwell (Thomas) right before he was killed.

Federal prosecutors are also renewing the push to find Robert and Tawnney Caldwell's son Jacob, who went missing the day of his father's murder.

"Once he got full custody, that's when all of this happened," Tyler Caldwell told FOX 45. "This isn't some street battle with two bad guys, it was a guy that just literally dotted every 'i' and crossed every 't.'"

The Caldwell family was at the federal building in downtown Dayton Tuesday as US Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Benjamin Glassman announced the shocking list of indictments and disturbing details of the plot.

Robert Caldwell's ex-wife Tawnney Caldwell is facing multiple counts relating to the murder, including aiding and abetting.

Tawnney Caldwell's ex-husband Sterling Roberts is facing charges for pulling the trigger that killed Robert Caldwell.

Law enforcement caught up with Roberts in South Carolina, and are working to extradite him back to Dayton.

Tyler Caldwell said his family knew right away the death wasn't an accident.

"It was not a mystery, everybody knew, the detectives knew everybody knew," Caldwell said, "They just had to prove it they had to compile the evidence and put the case together."

"When my brother was killed he had just finished a multi-year custody battle to get his children so there was no physical threat to my brother until he won custody," he continued.

The Department of Justice also indicted alleged shooter Sterling Roberts' brother Christopher Roberts, and his half-brother Chance Deakin for aiding and abetting.

Also indicted were Tawnney Caldwell's mother and step-dad James and Chandra Harmon in Kentucky.

They have been released on bond.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman said Tawney Caldwell and Sterling Roberts stalked Robert Caldwell through a cell phone, then deleted evidence.

The most despicable part of this is the actions after the murder," said Tyler Caldwell.

He said he believes Tawnney's side of the family knows where 14-year-old Jacob Caldwell is, after he disappeared the day of his dad's murder.

Glassman said the Department of Justice is worried for the teen's safety.

"Given the circumstances of the demise of his father, given that he's clearly not in the custody of the person or people who have lawful custody of him, it’s entirely possible that the child is in danger," Glassman said.

"The longer he's missing, the scarier it gets, the more concerning this is," said Tyler Caldwell.

Tawnney Caldwell and Sterling Roberts can face life in prison or the death penalty if they are convicted for the murder and stalking charges.

The DOJ said they are working to extradite him back from South Carolina where he was arrested.

Jacob Caldwell went missing the day of his father's murder, but was last seen one month later at the Walmart on Wilmington Pike.

The US Attorney said he's not sure of the teen is being held against his will, but they believe he may be in Ohio or Kentucky.

If you have information that can lead to Jacob Caldwell's recovery, you may be eligible for a $15,000 reward.

Call Sugarcreek Township Police at 937-310-3200, or the FBI at 513-421-4310.